Structured interviews, also referred to as structured behavioral interviews, entail a series of open-ended questions being asked of the job seeker that focus on previous job-related experience. Each applicant for a given position is asked the same set of questions and their answers are scored based on predefined benchmarks to determine how closely their experience meets the job requirements. Some people may be intimidated by the formal, structured format of this type of interview; however, knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you to better prepare.

Do Your Homework

You may not be able to predict the exact questions that will be asked during your interview, but you can still prepare ahead of time by reviewing both your resume and the job description of the position and use this information to formulate a game plan. Think about your biggest professional accomplishments, particularly those related to the position you're interviewing for, and jot down the highlights to use as talking points. Common questions focus on overcoming challenges, working as a team and assuming a leadership role within a group environment. By taking a walk down your work-related memory lane, you’ll be better equipped to respond.

Practice Active Listening

On the big day, don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Concentrate on the task at hand and be sure to pay close attention to the interviewer when he is speaking so you can be sure that you clearly understand each question. Structured interview questions can sometimes be lengthy or confusing. If you are in doubt of exactly what the interviewer is looking for in your response, don’t be afraid to ask her to repeat the question or elaborate on specific items.

Use Specific Examples

The structured interview format is based on the premise that past behavior is a good indicator of future performance. Because of this, you will be asked for specific examples where you demonstrated proficiency with a skill set, such as balancing a general ledger or handling a specific situation like dealing with an irate customer. The responses should contain detailed recounts of a time when you performed the task, what steps were taken to resolve the issue and the final outcome.

Take Your Time

After each question, take a moment to pause and think of the best possible response. Rushing to give an answer without thinking it through may give the impression that you either don’t have the experience they are seeking or that you're not able to follow directions. You may be asked to describe a time when you implemented an improvement to a process or procedure. In the heat of the moment, you may state that you haven’t done this before, only to have the perfect example come to mind once the interview concludes.

About the Author

Based in Virginia, Amanda Banach has been a writer since 2009. Her professional work experience includes roles in media advertising, financial services and human resources. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in human resources management and is PHR-certified.